MickeyBlog News for May 27th, 2024
This was a wild week for Disney news, with stories ranging from the much-anticipated to the “that can’t possibly be right.”
We’re gonna do a rapid-fire version of MickeyBlog News this week because there’s so much happening.
Check the Temperature in Hades
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2c91de_c00a35389373402189264aa1df50c83bmv2.jpg.webp)
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2c91de_c00a35389373402189264aa1df50c83bmv2.jpg.webp)
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
Let’s start with a story that frankly would have seemed impossible at the start of this year.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) spent part of its latest meeting planning for the future.
![Central Florida Tourism oversight district](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CentralFloridaTourismoversightdistrict.jpg)
![Central Florida Tourism oversight district](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CentralFloridaTourismoversightdistrict.jpg)
Central Florida Tourism oversight district
As part of those plans, the CFTOD, ostensibly Disney’s sworn enemy, will consider nearly $100 million in road improvements.
I realize that Disney and Florida’s local government recently…well, they didn’t quite kiss and make up, but they’re no longer openly feuding.
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-reedy-creek-bob-hazen-wesh.jpeg)
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-reedy-creek-bob-hazen-wesh.jpeg)
@HazenWESH on Twitter
Now, we have this gesture, which may or may not tie into this seemingly different story.
For the first time since the Florida Feud started, Disney is once again making at least two political donations.
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Martin Garcia](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-26-at-14-33-31-Central-Florida-tourism-district-chair-slams-Disneys-former-naughty-Reedy-Creek-board-Orlando-Business-Journal.png)
![Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Martin Garcia](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-26-at-14-33-31-Central-Florida-tourism-district-chair-slams-Disneys-former-naughty-Reedy-Creek-board-Orlando-Business-Journal.png)
Photo: Orlando Business Journal
So, the ice legitimately may have thawed, or the CFTOD is ready to give Disney what it wants to regain political favors.
Still, all that matters to you and me is that the former Reedy Creek Improvement District is finally ready to do something about traffic congestion.
Let’s all take the win and ignore the optics.
The New Look Bears
![Country Bear Jamboree Closed for Refurbishment in Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Country-Bear-Jamboree-Closed-scaled.jpeg)
![Country Bear Jamboree Closed for Refurbishment in Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Country-Bear-Jamboree-Closed-scaled.jpeg)
Country Bear Jamboree Closed for Refurbishment in Magic Kingdom
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree hasn’t opened yet, and we don’t even have a confirmed date for its debut.
Still, Disney feels comfortable enough with the reboot to start marketing its return.
![Country Bear Jamboree New Outfits Costumes](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Country-Bear-Jamboree-New-Outfits-Costumes.png)
![Country Bear Jamboree New Outfits Costumes](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Country-Bear-Jamboree-New-Outfits-Costumes.png)
Photo: Disney
This past week, Disney revealed the new outfits the Country Bears will wear during their performance.
How adorable are these outfits? Well, I don’t view it as a coincidence that Chuck E. Cheese just gave up the ghost.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-country-bear-jamboree-last-day-before-refurbishment77-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-country-bear-jamboree-last-day-before-refurbishment77-scaled.jpg)
Country Bear Jamboree
Their Audio-Animatronic band just cannot compete with the new-look Country Bears!
Another Union at Disneyland Resort
![Anaheim City Council](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/02.28.2023-Omar-Sanchez-Voice-of-OC-4.jpg.webp)
![Anaheim City Council](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/02.28.2023-Omar-Sanchez-Voice-of-OC-4.jpg.webp)
Photos: Voice of OC
I’ve spent a depressing number of hours watching all the Anaheim City Council meetings over the past six months.
Throughout the DisneylandForward process, Cast Members would speak on behalf of Disney.
![anaheim city council](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/OCR-L-ANAMAYOR-1022-03-1-1.jpg.webp)
![anaheim city council](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/OCR-L-ANAMAYOR-1022-03-1-1.jpg.webp)
Photo: OC Register
Notably, many of them expressed that they were members of the various Disneyland Resort unions.
To an individual, they expressed pride in their unions and gratitude about how well Disney collectively bargained with these groups.
Now, we’re getting another union at The Happiest Place on Earth.
The costumed Cast Members voted this past week to unionize.
By a vote of 953 to 258, the Cast Members joined the Actors’ Equity Association, which makes sense since they’re actors of a sort.
Notably, I’ve covered many unionization stories over the years, and I view this vote as closer than most.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-13-at-4.18.49 PM.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-13-at-4.18.49 PM.png)
Magic United
Cast Members favored unionizing by 78.7 percent, which admittedly sounds like a lot.
However, in my experience, the total is typically above 90 percent…and often well above.
![Magic United](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magic-United-1024x538.jpg)
![Magic United](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magic-United-1024x538.jpg)
Photo: Magic United
So, this vote wasn’t definitive, and I’ll be curious to track its implementation.
Overall, Disneyland unions have worked well for everyone. As such, I see this as a hugely positive step for all parties.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/02_2020_DL.4199-750x501.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/02_2020_DL.4199-750x501.jpg)
Disney
Since Disney answers to investors, it faces scrutiny in increasing Cast Member salary.
With a union involved, it’s easier to say, “We’ve got no choice but to pay them more…”
And that’s what we all want. We prefer Cast Members to earn every dollar they possibly can, right?
DVC Member Lounge Temporarily Closing
![Imagination pavilon](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-20-at-14-11-45-Imagination-Pavillion_2000x1125.jpg-JPEG-Image-1680-×-945-pixels-1-1024x576.png)
![Imagination pavilon](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-20-at-14-11-45-Imagination-Pavillion_2000x1125.jpg-JPEG-Image-1680-×-945-pixels-1-1024x576.png)
The Imagination! Pavilion Photo: Disney
Okay, those of you who are Disney Vacation Club members vacationing in June should pay careful attention.
If you’re anything like me, you’re certain to spend time at the DVC Member Lounge at the Imagination! pavilion during an EPCOT visit.
![DVC Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Imagination-pavilion-DVC-Lounge-Closed-EPCOT-e1716232490629-1024x160.png)
![DVC Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Imagination-pavilion-DVC-Lounge-Closed-EPCOT-e1716232490629-1024x160.png)
Photo: Disney
This place offers free snacks and beverages, a jaw-dropping park view, and charging stations for smart devices.
On a hot day, this lounge makes all the difference in the world, which makes me wonder what Disney is thinking here.
![DVC Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Imagination-pavilion-DVC-Lounge-Closed-EPCOT-2.png)
![DVC Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Imagination-pavilion-DVC-Lounge-Closed-EPCOT-2.png)
Photo: Disney
On June 2nd, Disney will close this lounge for six weeks of refurbishment.
The timing on this is absolutely brutal since June and early July include some of the hottest dates of the year.
Thankfully, Disney has thought ahead enough to open a temporary DVC Member Lounge at The Odyssey.
So, guests won’t be totally shut out, but it’s definitely not an ideal time to close the main lounge.
![Mickey Mouse questions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mickey-Mouse-question-marks.jpg)
![Mickey Mouse questions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mickey-Mouse-question-marks.jpg)
Image: The Healthy Mouse
Disney, why didn’t you do this in February? I don’t get it.
Theme Park Miscellany
![Fantasmic Return](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-22-at-12-33-44-Disneylands-Fantasmic-returns-after-fire-—-without-a-dragon.-Heres-a-first-look.png)
![Fantasmic Return](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-22-at-12-33-44-Disneylands-Fantasmic-returns-after-fire-—-without-a-dragon.-Heres-a-first-look.png)
Photo: Disneyland
Obviously, we have plenty going on this week, but it’s all in the mid-major category rather than real game-changers.
For instance, we just received our first look at the new Fantasmic! at Disneyland Resort.
![Fantasmic Return](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-22-at-12-33-30-Disneylands-Fantasmic-returns-after-fire-—-without-a-dragon.-Heres-a-first-look.png)
![Fantasmic Return](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-22-at-12-33-30-Disneylands-Fantasmic-returns-after-fire-—-without-a-dragon.-Heres-a-first-look.png)
Photo: Disneyland
Let’s not focus on what happened to the last version of the show *ahem*, but the new production has replaced Maleficent with less flammable entertainment.
Disney has also officially updated the Accessibility Services information to confirm the previously announced changes.
![Not So Scary 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party-Fireworks.jpg)
![Not So Scary 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party-Fireworks.jpg)
Photo: Disney
As a reminder, Disney is doing this to crack down on the people cheating the system, but it’ll unfortunately inconvenience those who need it, too.
Speaking of reminders, those of you who want to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should act quickly.
![Not So Scary 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Disney-World-Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party-2.jpg)
![Not So Scary 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Disney-World-Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party-2.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Halloween night has already sold out! Folks, it’s not even Memorial Day yet!
We’re several major holidays away from Halloween, but this sellout underscores the event’s popularity.
!['Inside Out 2' Sneak Preview at Disney's Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/walt-disney-presents-inside-out-2-scaled.jpeg)
!['Inside Out 2' Sneak Preview at Disney's Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/walt-disney-presents-inside-out-2-scaled.jpeg)
‘Inside Out 2’ Sneak Preview at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have other reasons to celebrate.
The first is that we just got a sneak peek at the Inside Out 2 characters coming soon.
![Rock n roller coaster Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Rock-n-roller-coaster-Disney.jpg)
![Rock n roller coaster Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Rock-n-roller-coaster-Disney.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Also, Disney may have tipped off the return date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Here’s our best guess.
At the resorts, one of my favorites, the Double Lagoon Pool, has reopened after an extended refurbishment.
Meanwhile, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will soon follow suit with an extensive overhaul.
At Disney Springs, Wine Bar George just earned an impressive honor, while management has taken extreme measures to recruit me.
![Wine Bar George](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-disney-springs-wine-bar-george-gardeners-fix.jpg)
![Wine Bar George](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-disney-springs-wine-bar-george-gardeners-fix.jpg)
Wine Bar George
Due to health issues, I haven’t visited in more than a year. So, they started with Futurama in an attempt to lure me back.
Now Disney has introduced a TARDIS. How great is that?!
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Feature Photo: Disney